Yes It Is! (244/366)

Despite an incredibly crazy day filled with work, refrigerators, pedis and manis with my daughter, I managed to find a photo the just summed up the day.

Thank you Hallmark for reminding me that I need to be thankful for everything, for each moment in life is special!

Thank You (243/366)

My August Photoaday Challenge word today was Card.  I chose to shoot a Thank You card I designed on Shutterfly earlier this year.  I think Thank You cards are not used enough these days.  I make both my kids fill them out after birthday parties and various other events.  In fact, they have done that as far back as 3 years old when they could just about write their name.  We have two to send out shortly.

The first card is to thank my mother's friend Barbara for starting Daniel off on his Sports Christmas Tree for his room and for opening her home to the kids and I and giving us a grand tour.  Barbara is the one from the post I did earlier this month with the upside down Christmas Tree.

The second card is for our neighbors up the street, the Formans.  They have a son, Steven and whenever he outgrows something, Daniel is happy recipient.  He has received over the year a Jason Bay Pirates Jersey, all weather boots, jackets and lastly, a giant bag of baseballs to keep his extra innings games in the backyard going strong!

I think teaching our children to do a simple task such as this is very important and if you want some cool cards, I am sure I can design one for you!

The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.
~Fred Astaire

The Toy That Won't Leave (242/366)

Last night was a quick clean of the garage.  Every time I clean the garage out (or work on it), this toy ends up in my way.  Every time it ends up in my way, I try to toss it in the trash and one of the kids makes sure it finds it's way back in to the garage.

Tonight it actually has made it's way back into my house.....good God, please!

Dan thought it would be fun to model it for all of you.  Why am I sure this will never leave my home, even after my children have....LOL

I think all toys should be invisible.  Not only would they improve children's imagination, but they'd also be very affordable.  In fact, every toy would be free.
~Jarod Kintz

Teeth (241/366)  

The first week of school is always crazy and my free time tonight was spent in my garage making room for a new refrigerator.  Well, not new, but new to me and less than 5 years old.

And before I knew it, it was dark, there was a ton of trash at my curb and I had not taken a shot.

I was sitting and pondering a shot and thought some macro fun with the Olloclip was in order.  This is an interesting shot of the texture and quality of the zipper in my new Coach bag.  It just feels rich and so permanent as apposed to the cheesy zippers in my $15 bags of the past.

Men wear the pants in a relationship, but women control the zipper.
~Author Unknown

First Day of School (240/366)

And so begins another school year.  I was successful in getting a 7th grader and 4th grader off on to their 180 days of educational excellence.

Of course, there always has to be some fun in the First Day, so Daniel got to wear this great shirt that I bought for him in Hollywood.  What was even more fun was that his teacher's theme in the classroom is Hollywood.  Well planned Samantha, well planned.

Now what I want to know is why during the first week of school, I have more home work than my kids.  All these damn forms to fill out and send back in.  It hurts my hands and gives me a headache.  Can't we just check a box that says "Same As Last Year".

Shannon and I have managed to have an almost quiet day with no episodes of screaming and crying.  179 days to go!  Keep your fingers crossed folks, because I am sure we will have our ups and downs!

But now, 9:30pm is my favorite time of night.....the sound of sweet silence.

Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead, ought to tell a child to go to bed.
~Robert Gallagher

Dreams (239/366)

Sometimes I wonder what exactly goes through the batter's mind when they step up to the plate.  I think it varies depending on the situation they are stepping into.

Today, we attended out 15th game of the season (as a family) and it was not one of the best games we have seen.  The city of Pittsburgh and the fan of the Pirates have been dreaming of a winning season since 1992.  We won't even get into the possibility of a Post Season yet, but they did send me a package and I have to make my mind up by September 14th, 2012.  Many more games like today and I won't have to make a decision.

Now, I love baseball and I love being a Pirate fan.  I grew up a Phillies fan and in my heart of hearts, they will always be my #1, but I live here now and I have always loved the underdog.  My biggest issue with the last few games I have been to is that is seems like something is missing.  I don't feel the hunger.  I don't see that extra push to get it done.  I have watched players assume their infield hit will be an out at first and an error is made and what could have been more, sometimes is barely a single.

Now I am not off the Pirate bandwagon.  We still love our Bucco's in this house, but I want to see the life back in the guys.  This town wants them to do well.  We want them to win!

So here stands Andrew McCutchen at home plate.  I would imagine this was a lonely dream.  Bottom of the 9th, two outs, two men on, down to your last strike and you are being shut out.  It's you and only you against it all.  So is it a dream or a nightmare.........

Playing baseball is not real life.
It's a fantasy world....
It's a dream come true!
~Dale Murphy

Buzzzzzzz (238/366)

We had another busy day getting ready for school on Monday and Dan had baseball practice as well.  While Shannon and I waited for him to finish up, I took advantage of the time and the beautiful Gerber Daisies at the ball field.  I grabbed my iPhone and Olloclip and had some fun.  I love the centers of these flowers as the detail is just amazing.  Now add one of your insect friends and it just makes it that much better!

When the flower blooms, the bee comes uninvited.
~Ramakrishna